Ireland's current Covid-19 situation remains vulnerable to a further deterioration, according to the Chief Medical Officer. Dr Tony Holohan said that factors - including levels of social contact "over the festive period" – will determine the numbers of cases over the next few weeks and months.
In a letter to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Dr Holohan said that NPHET had noted sustained pressure being seen across the health system.
Dr Holohan said that the continuing high case numbers suggests that this pressure "will continue for some time to come". "The significant challenge this pressure presents to the continued delivery of healthcare, with a number of hospitals already curtailing the delivery of scheduled care in order to cope